Thai police apprehended a woman referred to as "Ms Golf," who allegedly extorted over $11 million from at least nine monks by using secret recordings of their sexual encounters. This incident has raised serious concerns regarding misconduct within the revered Buddhist institution, prompting calls for regulatory reform.
### Scandal Erupts in Thai Buddhism as Woman Blackmails Monks with Secret Footage
### Scandal Erupts in Thai Buddhism as Woman Blackmails Monks with Secret Footage
A woman in Thailand has been arrested for allegedly blackmailing monks using explicit videos, igniting a major scandal within the Buddhist community.
Thai police have made a significant arrest in a shocking case involving alleged sexual misconduct and extortion within the Buddhist community. The woman, identified only as "Ms Golf," is accused of engaging in sexual relations with multiple monks and subsequently using explicit photos and videos of these encounters to blackmail them. Reports indicate that she extorted approximately 385 million baht (equivalent to $11.9 million) over a three-year period from at least nine monks.
The investigation commenced in mid-June when authorities received reports about a Bangkok abbot abruptly leaving his monastic duties due to extortion by Ms Golf. According to police, she had a relationship with the abbot in May 2024 and later claimed he was the father of her child, demanding child support of more than seven million baht. This tactic led to other monks making similar payments, which investigators noted was part of her established method of operation.
Subsequent searches of Ms Golf's residence revealed that she possessed over 80,000 compromising images and video clips, which were allegedly used to intimidate her victims. Moreover, officials discovered that nearly all the extorted funds had been withdrawn, with some having been funneled into online gambling activities.
With charges ranging from extortion to money laundering on the table, the royal government has heightened scrutiny of misconduct within the monastic order. In response to the unfolding scandal, Thai authorities inaugurated a hotline for reporting misbehaving monks, and the Sangha Supreme Council announced the formation of a committee aimed at reassessing monastic regulations and enhancing disciplinary measures.
The Thai monarchy also took action, retracting previously granted higher titles for 81 monks due to the recent unsavory events that have purportedly “caused Buddhists to suffer greatly.”
Given that over 90% of Thailand's population identifies as Buddhist, this scandal proves particularly damaging for the faith's reputation. Monks, who are traditionally revered in Thai society, have recently faced a series of allegations, including those involving sex offences and drug trafficking.
Experts have highlighted entrenched systemic issues within the Buddhist institution, citing its hierarchical structure as a significant barrier to accountability. Many junior monks may fear repercussions for speaking out against senior monks' misdeeds. However, ongoing investigations by the police and the Sangha council are viewed by some scholars as crucial steps toward necessary reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in the institution.
